[CADreamin]

I tend to think your car will not pass emissions in later years without the stock pipe (with catalytic converters). Don't know how things work in NY, but in PA and CA they do a visual inspection of smog parts to make sure everything's in it's place.

So I'd definitely keep the stock pipe to put back on when you have your next emissions test.

As far as finding someone to put the new one on, can you get a friend or two to help you out. You wouldn't have to worry about what an exhaust shop thinks about it, that way. Had a friend in CA that used to swap pipes every other year before the smog test.